Give Kids a Smile Day is a national initiative by the American Dental Association, which is dedicated to focusing attention on the epidemic of untreated oral disease among disadvantaged children.
/ WNWO File
Oral hygiene, X-rays and fillings will be the focus of free dental appointments at Owens Community College as more than 150 area elementary and high school students’ teeth are transformed to pearly whites during the nationwide Give Kids A Smile Day on Friday, Feb. 1.
Owens’ Dental Hygiene program, in collaboration with the Toledo Dental Society, will be offering a day of free dental services for children with limited or no access to care ages six months to 18 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. at the College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic. The clinic is located in Health Technologies Hall on the Toledo-area Campus.
Additionally, Toledo Dental Society dentists and Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary will provide restorative treatments such as fillings and extractions for patients on Feb. 1.
Give Kids A Smile Day is a national initiative by the American Dental Association, which is dedicated to focusing attention on the epidemic of untreated oral disease among disadvantaged children. Held each February in conjunction with National Children’s Dental Health Month, Give Kids A Smile Day provides free oral health education, screening and treatment services to children from low-income families across the country.
"Owens Community College’s Dental Hygiene program is excited to once again participate in such a worthwhile endeavor and provide dental services to individuals in need," said Beth Tronolone, Owens Chair of Dental Hygiene. "Give Kids A Smile Day is also a wonderful opportunity to raise the importance and awareness of preventive dental care such as flossing, brushing and regular dental visits. Our goal is give each attendee a positive dental experience and help them feel comfortable smiling again."
Owens Dental Hygiene second-year students, faculty and alumni, and area dentists will be conducting dental services, which will include dental education and screening, X-rays, oral prophylaxis (cleanings), limited restorations and dental sealants. In addition, first-year students from the health program will provide educational presentations for parents and children.
Owens’ program also offers dental services to area residents through its Dental Hygiene Clinic. The 20-chair clinic is staffed by dental hygiene students and supervised by licensed dental professionals at Owens, and appointments are available during the Fall and Spring semesters for a $30 fee.
Individuals interested in receiving free dental service are encouraged to contact the College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic at (567) 661-7294 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7294. Appointment reservations must be made prior to the event.
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